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DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 11:05 pm

by Anonymous User

The DOJ posted the participating components for the upcoming cycle. Larger intake than last year, but that may only be because of EOIR. Any thoughts on working in the DOJ with it's current state of affairs politically? Especially with the antitrust department under fire after this AT&T/Time-Warner merger.

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 10:36 am

by Anonymous User

Any current SLIPs expecting a funnel? Does anyone know how the funnels work for SLIP? Should we talk to our supervisor to express interest or is it just a given?

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2018 11:27 am

by Anonymous User

UST also back. Applying from two year clerkship. I actually started the application two years also in law school and I still can't find one interesting thing about myself

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 7:09 pm

by Anonymous User

Do we know how many applications they receive each year? And how many each component interviews?

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 7:19 pm

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:The DOJ posted the participating components for the upcoming cycle. Larger intake than last year, but that may only be because of EOIR. Any thoughts on working in the DOJ with it's current state of affairs politically? Especially with the antitrust department under fire after this AT&T/Time-Warner merger.

Yeah, I wonder if less people are applying because of that

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 11:06 am

by Anonymous User

Anyone know anything about which components in the criminal division are actually hiring?

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2018 4:25 pm

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:Anyone know anything about which components in the criminal division are actually hiring?

Website says:

Trial Attorney (4)These are permanent positions in Washington, D.C. Incoming Honors Program hires must agree to a four year commitment.Asset Forfeiture Fellowship Program (3)

This is a three-year fellowship in Washington, D.C. which may be extended or converted to a permanent position at the discretion of the component. Incoming Fellows must agree to a three year commitment. Fellows may reapply to the Honors Program in a subsequent year provided they meet eligibility criteria.

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 7:42 am

by Anonymous User

Sooooo is this application open or what?

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 8:49 am

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:Sooooo is this application open or what?

yes, as of yesterday

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 9:39 am

by Anonymous User

Really? I don’t see an option in the app for honors. Am I missing something?

I went to job search with no filters too and nothing came up

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 11:14 am

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:Really? I don’t see an option in the app for honors. Am I missing something?

I went to job search with no filters too and nothing came up

That happened to me. It is very weird but it only works if you use the link from DOJ's website.

In the "how to apply," click in the "online application." It will take you to it!

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 1:14 pm

by Anonymous User

If you do a year at a firm then clerk, are you eligible to apply to honors after your clerkship?

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 1:16 pm

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:If you do a year at a firm then clerk, are you eligible to apply to honors after your clerkship?

No.

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:57 am

by Anonymous User

Is everyone applying out of a clerkship? All (not many) DOJ Honors attys I've met were clerks

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 2:19 am

by Anonymous User

Curious how much various components care about sheer prestige? I went to a T-10 law school (5-10), crushed 1L, and coasted to graduation, graduating with honors around top 20%. Secondary journal. Clerked for a State appellate court. Got a fellowship working for a State AG as a prosecutor. If I get an interview/references are called, I am confident I will at least receive real consideration. But, I am worried my cv is not impressive enough to get me in the door... i.e., the fact that I have a non-prestigious clerkship and secondary journal. The application itself--which seems to care only about honors and prestige and none about whether you're an interesting well-rounded person-- is off-putting. I don't want to waste my time applying if I will be auto-disqualified.

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 6:35 am

by Anonymous User

Not sure why you think the application is only about prestige; the essays are the place to show who you are and are particularly important. Also your application would actually be pretty prestigious?

In any case, how much prestige matters depends somewhat on the components you’re applying to, but demonstrated commitment to the mission of the component and relevant experience are generally extremely important.

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:04 am

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:Curious how much various components care about sheer prestige? I went to a T-10 law school (5-10), crushed 1L, and coasted to graduation, graduating with honors around top 20%. Secondary journal. Clerked for a State appellate court. Got a fellowship working for a State AG as a prosecutor. If I get an interview/references are called, I am confident I will at least receive real consideration. But, I am worried my cv is not impressive enough to get me in the door... i.e., the fact that I have a non-prestigious clerkship and secondary journal. The application itself--which seems to care only about honors and prestige and none about whether you're an interesting well-rounded person-- is off-putting. I don't want to waste my time applying if I will be auto-disqualified.

What component are you applying to? This has a big effect on the answer

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:44 am

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Curious how much various components care about sheer prestige? I went to a T-10 law school (5-10), crushed 1L, and coasted to graduation, graduating with honors around top 20%. Secondary journal. Clerked for a State appellate court. Got a fellowship working for a State AG as a prosecutor. If I get an interview/references are called, I am confident I will at least receive real consideration. But, I am worried my cv is not impressive enough to get me in the door... i.e., the fact that I have a non-prestigious clerkship and secondary journal. The application itself--which seems to care only about honors and prestige and none about whether you're an interesting well-rounded person-- is off-putting. I don't want to waste my time applying if I will be auto-disqualified.

What component are you applying to? This has a big effect on the answer

Agree. I've met USTP attys who didn't even go to a T14 but clerked for bankruptcy judges.

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 11:43 am

by Anonymous User

[Same user as before asking the Q...]

All formal and informal components, positions at US Attorneys offices.

And while I get that there are a few essays, the lionshare of the application asks you to check boxes that basically benefit those who resume-padded with prestige their whole post-secondary educated lives.

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 12:06 pm

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:[Same user as before asking the Q...]

All formal and informal components, positions at US Attorneys offices.

And while I get that there are a few essays, the lionshare of the application asks you to check boxes that basically benefit those who resume-padded with prestige their whole post-secondary educated lives.

You went to a T10, you graduated top 20%, you did a journal, you did a clerkship. You check the prestige boxes, dude, don’t be so defensive. (Apart from which there are components where traditional lay prestige is less important.)

And you can’t apply for all formal components, you only list three and they’re the only ones that consider you. Unless they changed it from previous years.

The essays are actually taken really seriously, so it’s not “just a few essays.”

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 1:58 pm

by jelly_bean3

Okay, thanks. I guess if true that is reassuring. I meant that I intend to apply for all AUSA positions, whether formal or informal. In particular, I was responding to the Arizona office's requirement that you have clerked federally, to even apply...

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 2:17 pm

by Anonymous User

Ah, got it. Yeah, I think that is actually a hard requirement. It used to be a hard requirement for all the USAOs, when they used to participate as formal components. Only now that they’re informal is it “judicial clerkships” rather than federal judicial clerkships.

I can tell you from personal experience that otherwise the USAO in AZ is not at all prestige-whore-y. I don’t know whether it’s a requirement that was imposed centrally on formal components and that’s why the others hire informally now, or what. And I don’t think it’s about prestige so much as it is wanting applicants who can come in with some first hand knowledge of the federal court system, because you’re in court a lot there, and right away. So while it might be frustrating for you I don’t think it’s just about prestige.

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2018 6:35 pm

by ScurryRay

I'm doing a state trial court clerkship but had a 3.95 GPA at a T3 law school, moot court, trial team, extracurricular activities, no law review, though. Do I stand any shot at one of these positions or are they going to scoff at someone doing a trial clerkship from a T3? (Is this a waste of time to even apply?)

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2018 9:11 am

by Anonymous User

ScurryRay wrote:I'm doing a state trial court clerkship but had a 3.95 GPA at a T3 law school, moot court, trial team, extracurricular activities, no law review, though. Do I stand any shot at one of these positions or are they going to scoff at someone doing a trial clerkship from a T3? (Is this a waste of time to even apply?)

Cheesy but you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. I believe it's always better to try and not get it than wonder what if.I've met at least one honors atty who didn't go to a T14 or had a federal clerkship. But obviously it will depend which positions you are going for

Re: DOJ Honors Program 2018-2019

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 3:45 pm

by Anonymous User

Anonymous User wrote:Any current SLIPs expecting a funnel? Does anyone know how the funnels work for SLIP? Should we talk to our supervisor to express interest or is it just a given?

I was a SLIP intern as well, waiting for a funnel offer. Have you heard anything about the funnel program? any offers go out yet?